A sacroiliac sprain is a painful condition caused by tension in the muscles surrounding the sacroiliac joint, which connects the spine and pelvis. Pregnancy, heavy lifting, poor posture, and strenuous exercise can all lead to this type of sprain. Symptoms include one-sided pain, inflammation, stiffness, and difficulty walking. Treatment involves anti-inflammatory drugs, pain management medications, physical therapy, and gentle exercises to strengthen muscles and ligaments. Physicians who specialize in musculoskeletal system disorders, physical therapists, and chiropractors can offer treatment recommendations.
A sacroiliac sprain is a sprain of the sacroiliac joint, which connects the spine and pelvis. This joint is a key part of the body, providing support and stability that allows people to walk upright. The joint is surrounded by a series of strong ligaments and muscles that are designed to stabilize it. When these muscles are tense, a patient can develop a sacroiliac sprain.
Pregnancy can sometimes lead to a sacroiliac sprain because pregnant women secrete a hormone that relaxes the bones and ligaments of the pelvis in preparation for labor and delivery. Stresses can also be caused by heavy lifting. If people lift improperly, without proper props and support, they can strain ligaments in a variety of parts of the body, including the SI joint. Stress from poor posture and strenuous exercise can also lead to this type of sprain.
There are two sacroiliac joints, one on each side of the body. The classic symptom of a sprain is one-sided pain, which can radiate around the pelvis and travel up the leg. The area is usually inflamed and may feel stiff as well as painful. Patients may have difficulty walking and tend to favor the injured side, which can lead to a limp. This can cause further problems, as the body is designed to walk on two legs and the unequal distribution of weight could strain the body.
Sacroiliac sprains are often mistaken for sciatica because the two conditions have similar symptoms. Several diagnostic tests may be performed to distinguish the two, including a physical exam which may include gentle manipulation of the joint. Treatment may involve giving anti-inflammatory drugs, by injection if the inflammation is severe, along with pain management medications. The patient also undergoes physical therapy, including gentle exercises that can be done at home to help strengthen tight muscles and ligaments.
Physicians who specialize in musculoskeletal system disorders are most attuned to the signs of a sacroiliac sprain. Physicians such as physical therapists and chiropractors are also familiar with the symptoms of this condition and can offer treatment recommendations to patients. If a patient has been diagnosed with sciatica and has not received any relief from treatment, it may be worth visiting another doctor to determine if the sciatica is in fact a SI sprain. Many sprains resolve easily with treatment by restoring normal levels of physical activity and comfort.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
